Medication Options

True North Recovery and Wellness Center provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals with opioid use disorder. MAT uses a holistic approach to treat the “whole-patient” with the use of FDA-approved medications, counseling, and behavioral therapy. Medication helps to alleviate withdrawal and cravings, allowing the patient to focus on positive behavior changes.

True North Recovery and Wellness St George, Utah

There are 3 FDA-approved medications to treat opioid use disorder, methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. The goal of MAT is to find the lowest possible dose of a medication that will relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings for a 24-hour period. The medications used in MAT, at a stable dose, do not have any adverse effects on an individual’s ability to work, drive, care for their children, or otherwise live a healthy life.

Methadone
  • Long lasting, allows for daily dosing
  • Most affordable medication
  • Alleviates withdrawal symptoms, prevents cravings, and blocks euphoric effect of other opioids
  • No abstinence of opioids required prior to staring treatment
  • Synthetic opioid that attaches to the opioid receptor in the brain
  • Full agonist that fully activates the opioid receptor
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®/Subutex®)
  • Long lasting, allows for daily dosing
  • Good control of cravings and withdrawal
  • Alleviates withdrawal symptoms, prevents cravings, and blocks euphoric effect of other opioids
  • Synthetic opioid that attaches to the opioid receptor in the brain
  • Partial agonist that activates some of the opioid receptor
Naltrexone (Vivitrol®)
  • Long lasting injectable medication that is administered every 28 days
  • Requires 7-10 withdrawal of all opioid medications
  • Not recommended for pregnant women
  • Will not alleviate withdrawal symptoms
  • Antagonist that blocks all effects of the opioid receptor
Choosing the right medication for you and your lifestyle is a decision made by you and your medical provider
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